» Forces well trained to face terror threat from across the border: Army

Forces well trained to face terror threat from across the border: Army

Published: Monday, March 30, 2009, 16:06 [IST]

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New Delhi, Mar 30 (ANI): Concerned over the terror attack on the Lahore police Academy, Indian Army on Monday assured that security forces are well equipped to meet any challenges spilling over from across the border.

Talking to the reporters here, Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Noble Thamburaj said: "The Indian armed forces are prepared at all times should there be a spillover of any kind of problems on to our side."

He informed that the armed forces are "absolutely well trained."

Lt. Gen. Thamburaj acknowledged the heightened sense of fear of terror due to instability in the South Asian region over the past few years.

" Definitely, any kind of instability in the region...impinges on our security concerns...because we are neighbours and it is a cause for concern," he said.

Lt. Gen. Thamburaj conveyed that India wants stability in South Asian countries. He said the region would attain much-needed prosperity only if peace prevailed.

At least fifteen people were killed and over eighteen injured in a terror attack on the police training center in Lahore's Manawaan area this morning.

According to sources, 10 to 12 gunmen entered the training center in police uniform and opened fire on the parade, which was being carried out by the security personnel.

The attackers have also held at least 1500 people hostage inside the training camp.

Rangers, and trained commandos have been called on the spot to deal with the situation, and a commando operation was being chalked out.

The authorities have called for curfew.

Heavy exchange of gunfire between the terrorists and security personnel was reported till reports last filtered in.

Six injured policemen have been shifted to the services hospital for treatment. (ANI)